Broadbeach United are preparing for a big 2020 Brisbane Women’s Premier League season after taking it up to UQ in the Elaine Watson Cup

An epic near-win in the Elaine Watson Cup against a football powerhouse has provided Broadbeach the perfect chance to tune-up ahead of their Brisbane Women’s Premier League season opener.

AN epic draw in the Elaine Watson Cup against a football powerhouse has provided Broadbeach the perfect tune-up ahead of their Brisbane Women’s Premier League season opener.

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The Dolphins managed to grind out a 1-1 draw against the University of Queensland last Friday night in Round 2 of the cup after the students finished second overall last season.

They fell three goals short in the penalty shootout but returning coach Sarah Evans believes the performance is an indication of how far her side has come in the off-season.

Broadbeach United's BWPL team. SUPPLIED

“Although the result was disappointing, this game was a good gauge of where we are at moving into the season,” she said.

“The performance the girls put on was very encouraging across all areas and the fact we held the team that finished second in the league is positive to build from.

“Any game is an opportunity to test things out and tweak a few things here and there and to try new things.

“Football is constant learning and you have to be prepared to step outside your comfort zones sometimes and make the changes if things are not working.”

Broadbeach finished ninth overall in their first BWPL season last year, a year after taking out the 2018 Gold Coast Premier League and grand final.

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However, Evans is confident the foundations have been laid for instant improvement following a challenging first season in the league.

“Finishing where we did last season was a disappointment for us but we know where we fell short and what we need to do to improve on that,” she said.

“We have all discussed, debriefed and addressed both the positives and the negatives from last season as a unit and are looking forward to improving on them.

“We have had five or six new additions to the squad which has only strengthened and added to the depth we have which is great.

“The atmosphere and vibe around the team is really upbeat and the new players that have come in have gelled really well on and off the park.

“They are focused as a unit and loving their football right now so the foundations are good.”

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Evans said her side had pulled up well from the “high intensity” contest against UQ.

They will play The Lakes in Round 1 of the BWPL at home on Sunday at 3pm.